Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area, California December 23, 1999 Clicking on images will open a larger version of that image. Another great day of driving around in Hollister. Steve headed out in the morning with his pal Keith, Beebee chose to stay behind because she was feeling under the weather. The weather, incidentally, was great! Temperatures were in the 70's. Steve managed to shoot some pictures this time, and Keith took a few as well to catch Sandy "in action". Not very many pictures, really, but here they are none-the-less. Here's Keith, tooling about in his Jeep. We ran into some guys in a Hummer at the obstacle course. Impressive rig, but not as amazing as I'd expect for the price tag. We were also pleased to run into Jim Miller and "The Doghouse". In spite of his mysterious fuel delivery problem… …Jim managed to breeze through just about everything that we drove. more pics of The Doghouse We also met Bill, whose last name we've forgotten. Had a great time wheeling with him just the same. . Sandy finally got her turn. The difference that the OME suspension has made is truly incredible. She articulates so much better that Steve could barely believe it. Note the wheel-travel in these three pictures… …Nothing at all like the tired, old stock suspension. . Keith hit the course next (note the huge grin)… …and did really well, especially considering that the only mod to his Jeep is some 31" tires. The trick to this part is staying on the railroad tie… …oops. . The lift inspired Steve to try to cross this "little" gully… …the winch and a too-shallow approach kept him from making it. A quick tug from Keith pulled Sandy back out. Jim made the same gully look awfully easy. We were thinking about trying the mud-pit, but it was pretty well occupied when we got there. Steve loaned them a strap and a shovel and took off to play. The mud is a perfect mix of sand and clay- sticky as sin and completely invasive. When we got back we had a good laugh at their wheels- note the play-dough spaghetti factory look. Keith had to take off, but the rest of us followed Jim's lead over to "Bill's Road" (Bill's Trail?). A great run. Steve was feeling pretty challenged on a few parts -and was more than a little happy to have the new locker in the rear. Pictures never look as tough as the real thing. Unfortunately, Jim's fuel problem only got worse on the tough trail Stopping every 100 yards did give Steve a chance to shoot some pictures though. Here's a nice one of Sandy's belly. All in all, it was a great day. Many thanks to Bill and Jim for showing us around and offering some challenges that Steve would have been unlikely to take on his own. Hopefully everyone made it home safely. We leave you with this spiffy little animation of Sandy.